Top Ballad Songs by Male Western Artists: Popular Rankings [2025]

You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson29rank/position

Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone (Official Video)

This song, “You Are Not Alone,” was released in 1995 by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, produced by R.

Kelly.

This heartfelt ballad, carried by Michael’s gentle vocals, became a massive hit, debuting at number one on the U.

S.

charts—the first time in history a single had ever entered at the top spot.

UnforgettableNat King Cole30rank/position

Unforgettable – Nat ‘King’ Cole

Nat King Cole’s exquisite jazz ballad “Unforgettable.” This album is a 1952 compilation that brings together songs emblematic of his career.

The title track seamlessly blends his vocals—expressing the depth of love with delicate nuance—with Nelson Riddle’s orchestral arrangement.

Released in 1951, the song beautifully conveys an enduring love that transcends distance, and it drew renewed attention through a virtual duet with Cole’s daughter, Natalie.

It’s a gem for anyone wanting to feel the allure of jazz or seeking a heartfelt ballad.

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding31rank/position

Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)

“The Dock of the Bay” is a single released in 1968 by American singer-songwriter Otis Redding.

With a laid-back, relaxed feel, it reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart.

However, by that time, Otis Redding, who sang it, had already passed away in a plane crash.

Mama, I’m Coming HomeOzzy Osbourne32rank/position

OZZY OSBOURNE – “Mama, I’m Coming Home” (Official Video)

Ozzy Osbourne is an iconic heavy metal band led by vocalist Ozzy Osbourne.

While many of their songs are intense, “Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a deeply sweet and bittersweet power ballad.

The nostalgic atmosphere created by the beautiful acoustic guitar tones blended with Ozzy Osbourne’s richly textured voice is irresistible.

Also pay attention to the powerful, intensifying band sound as the song builds toward the end!

Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now)Phil Collins33rank/position

Phil Collins – Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Official Music Video)

Phil Collins, a British musician known for his work with the band Genesis and his worldwide success as a solo artist.

His 1984 song “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” is a renowned ballad written as the theme for the film Against All Odds.

The track topped the U.

S.

charts for three consecutive weeks and won a Grammy Award.

Born from the pain of his own divorce, the lyrics convey lingering feelings for someone he can no longer return to and a heartfelt plea: “Take a look at me now.” Opening with a quiet piano soliloquy and unfolding into a grand arrangement as the emotion rises, the sound surely grips the listener’s heart.

Kiss From A RoseSeal34rank/position

Seal – Kiss From A Rose (Official Music Video 720p HD) + Lyrics

There is a British soul musician named Seal.

The single cut from his 1994 album “Seal II” is this ballad, “Kiss from a Rose.” The song was used in the film “Batman Forever” and became a big hit.

Time To Say GoodbyeAndrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman35rank/position

Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman – Time To Say Goodbye (Live From Teatro Del Silenzio, Italy / 2007)

This grand ballad, a duet between Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and British soprano Sarah Brightman released in 1996, is the song “Time to Say Goodbye.” This classic of the classical crossover genre became an explosive hit.